wry

Formswrier, wryer, wriest, wryest

Formswries, wrying, wried

1. 1
   dry humoradjective

   Funny in a quiet, dry way, sometimes with a bitter feeling underneath.

   Grandpa has a wry sense of humor.

   She gave a wry laugh when the bus left without her.

   UsageOften in a wry smile or wry humor.

   Similardry, ironic, sardonic, droll

   Note
2. 2
   distorted (face)adjective

   Of a face or body, twisted or turned to one side.

   He made a wry face when he tasted the sour milk.

   After sleeping on the train, he woke up with a wry neck.

   UsageSay you pull a wry face at something sour.

   Similartwisted, contorted

   Note
3. 3
   adjective

   Going the wrong way, or not in the right place.

   Catherine hath made a wry stitch in her broidery, when she was thinking of something else than her work.

   1820, [Walter Scott], The AbbotHere, wry means wrong or out of place.

   . . . the wry rigour of our neighbours, who never take up an old idea without some extravagance in its application.

   1876, Walter Savage Landor, The Works and Life of Walter Savage LandorHere, wry means misdirected or off course.

   Similarmisplaced

   Note

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